Economic Survey 2026 Flags Alarming Rise in Obesity, Urges Nutrition Reforms

• The Economic Survey 2026 highlights a significant increase in obesity across all age groups in India, calling it a major public health challenge.
• Factors contributing to rising obesity include unhealthy diets, sedentary lifestyles, increased consumption of ultra-processed foods (UPFs), and environmental influences.
• NFHS 2019-21 data shows 24% of Indian women and 23% of men are overweight or obese; child obesity is also rising, projected to reach 83 million by 2035.
• India is a fast-growing market for UPFs, with sales surging from USD 0.9 billion in 2006 to nearly USD 38 billion in 2019, correlating with increased obesity.
• The survey recommends restricting UPF advertisements, implementing front-of-pack nutrition labeling, and launching multi-pronged government initiatives like POSHAN Abhiyaan and Fit India Movement to combat obesity.

Why It Matters: India faces a severe obesity crisis driven by UPFs and lifestyle changes, necessitating urgent nutrition-focused public health reforms.